Gun Stock Posts (Gun Stocks), also referred to as Girders or Bent Girts, are timber frame components with an extended top that allow for the intersection of plates and tie beams with one another. Also called Girders or bent Girts, Gun Stocks serve an integral function in connecting all the timbers that form their structure together.
The Comb
The comb is the part of a stock that extends over the shooter’s head and plays an essential role in controlling eye-line height and accuracy for shooters. A high or low comb may compromise performance significantly, which makes selecting one appropriate to both shooting style and size essential.
There are various methods for altering the comb height of your stock, including adding or subtracting the length of the pull or using a cheek riser. I strongly advise seeking advice from an experienced gunsmith or instructor before making significant modifications that could have permanent impacts on its shape and performance. Comb raisers and electric tape can also provide an inexpensive means of experimentation, but for long-term solutions, I suggest consulting an expert and having one professionally installed, such as molded comb raisers.
A jowled post, commonly referred to as a gunstock post, is a critical timber that forms an intersection of several beams in a frame. These posts can often be found at corners and eaves of two-story structures. A jeweled post typically has wider dimensions at its top than the bottom and an end tenon called teasel tenon that connects into mortise holes on tie beams for added support.
This type of joint forms the core of most English framing and has allowed builders to construct large buildings without needing modern support. One example is found at Morrison house; each post features beautiful jowled seats featuring plate and teasel shoulders offset from each other by several inches – providing an eye-catching design while providing space for all three girt and tie elements of each floor in this building.
The Cheek Pad
A cheek pad (sometimes known as a riser) sits atop a gun stock to improve comfort while firing the weapon, as well as help minimize recoil and aftershocks associated with its firing.
The pad is constructed of soft material that provides both comfort and durability, offering a slight rise to the cheek that makes aiming easier for shooters. Easily installed or removed from either shotguns or rifles with its quick buckle system, loops on either side allow up to five rounds of ammunition to be kept safely away from any potential danger to face-mounted shooters.
Similarly, this cheek rest can easily be adjusted to meet the individual needs of different shooters – an exceptional feature when most traditional gun stocks have fixed comb height and length of pull that limit customization to unique anatomies.
This cheek pad is constructed of high-quality nylon material and comes in olive drab or gunmetal grey colors for ease of installation and removal on most shotguns, rifles, and pistols without the need for screws or modifications to their stocks. Furthermore, its padding reduces recoil impacts to provide a more pleasant shooting experience.
Gunstock posts serve a functional as well as aesthetic purpose on rifle and shotgun firearms. Their beauty often stems from how their grain displays itself aesthetically; some pleasing examples include fiddle back, ribbon curl, and wave grain patterns. Mineral lines and worm holes may also contribute to its quality.
Wood is one of the most robust materials available, but for it to function effectively as part of a gunstock, it must be carefully carved and shaped to its intended purpose. Wood must support its functions, such as keeping the comb, cheek riser, and sightline while remaining firm enough to withstand repeated loadings of ammunition as well as recoil force.
The Straight Grip
Pistol grips can be found on shotguns and are designed to absorb most of the recoil generated from heavy loads for upland hunting, such as pheasants, turkeys, and ducks. On rifles without pistol grips – commonly referred to as English stocks or straight stocks – they provide lighter handling while offering reduced right-hand control; often preferred for target shooting as well as smoother, quicker-shoulder action and better utilization of iron sights.
On the field, many prefer carrying their shotgun low around their belt line or lying across their shoulders, placing the weapon in an uncomfortable bent and less natural position that, over time, may lead to wrist discomfort. An entire pistol grip stock allows your wrists to remain straighter, which reduces stress on them over time.
Straight grip (English) stocks are seldom found on clay target guns; however, they may occasionally appear on game guns. Most clay shooters prefer beavertail grips, which provide substantial skin contact and a more natural wrist position; however, the pistol grip stocks also offer similar advantages if desired by shooters. When choosing which style of stock to go for, be sure to test each on the range beforehand, as each class offers unique benefits; only you know which type works best for you!
The Fore-End
Located directly under the barrel, the fore-end is often overlooked when considering gun stocks. This long piece of wood may either remain fixed like in a lever-action rifle or moveable like in pump pump-action shotgun. Designed to provide a gripping surface for gripping action weapons such as rifles or shotguns, its purpose is absorbing power; depending on the type of firearm, it may even come equipped with protection caps to shield it from excessive heat, as well as sling studs for attaching slings.
The fore-end is an integral component of firearm ergonomics. On traditional single-shot guns, it can help secure the forearm on tables or benches to steady it; with side-by-side shotguns, it may rest against window sills of hunting blinds or fence rails when out at ranges for side shots.
Timber-frame barns feature posts that are integral components of their overall frame, such as those featuring jowled or flared posts, which are more significant at their top than at their base, enabling intricate joinery for framing purposes and often featuring integral brackets or teazle (teasel) tenons for supporting.
Aiming to maintain a wood stock properly requires applying protective finishes frequently – both to give it’s surface an appealing finish and shield it against environmental influences such as sunlight, moisture, and temperature extremes. Regular application can help ensure a gleaming sheen as well as protect it against harmful external forces like sunlight, water, and extreme temperatures. Wax polish will add another layer of protection and ensure longevity, so for optimal results, use a lint-free cloth to apply each successive coat in a dust-free environment. Once dry, light sanding should be performed between each application in order to ensure a uniform surface with no rough edges or rough patches. Once all layers have dried thoroughly, a protective sealant can be added for extra defense from environmental conditions.
